Giuseppe Moscati

Saint Giuseppe Moscati, also known as Joseph Moscati (July 25, 1880 in Benevento near Avellino; April 12, 1927 in Naples) was an Italian physician, scientist, and university professor. He was beatified by Pope Paul VI in 1975 and canonized by Pope John Paul II in 1987. The Catholic Church celebrates his feast day on April 12, while the Archdioceses of Naples and Amalfi-Cava de’ Tirreni celebrate it separately on November 16. Moscati was one of the first physicians to use insulin to treat diabetes.

Joseph Moscati (1880-1927) came from an Italian aristocratic family and was a renowned physician – that sounds like a life worthy of a serial, full of luxury, money, and beautiful women. But this saint chose a very different path early on and pledged eternal chastity before even beginning his medical studies in Naples. Joseph completed his doctorate in 1903 and was soon forced to prove his humanitarian commitment: in 1906, Mount Vesuvius erupted. The young doctor organized the evacuation of a hospital and provided emergency aid. Just five years later, Naples was struck by a cholera epidemic, and Joseph worked around the clock caring for the sick. In 1914, the First World War broke out, during which Joseph treated approximately 3,000 soldiers. Beyond the great catastrophes of world events, he took special care of the poor. Not only did he accept little or no remuneration from them, but he often paid for medication out of his own pocket. The popular physician died after a short illness on April 12, 1927, in Naples. Pope John Paul II canonized Joseph Moscati in 1987.